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Planning a bathroom remodel is exciting, but one of the biggest decisions homeowners face is whether to install a walk-in shower or keep (or add) a bathtub.
Both options offer unique advantages, and the right choice depends on your lifestyle, your home's layout, and how you plan to use the space for years to come.
In 2026, we're seeing more homeowners prioritize comfort, accessibility, low maintenance, and modern design. As a result, walk-in showers continue to grow in popularity—but that doesn't mean bathtubs are the wrong choice for every home.
At Premier Home Pros, we've helped thousands of homeowners design bathrooms that fit their needs. Here's what to consider before deciding which option is right for your home.
Walk-in showers have become one of the most requested bathroom upgrades in recent years.
Homeowners love the clean, open appearance and the practical benefits they offer every day.
Modern walk-in showers often include:
These features create a spa-inspired bathroom that's both beautiful and functional.
One of the biggest advantages of a walk-in shower is ease of access.
Low-threshold entries eliminate the need to step over a high tub wall, making showers safer and easier for:
Accessibility doesn't have to mean sacrificing style. Today's walk-in showers combine modern design with everyday practicality.
Walk-in showers create a more open appearance by reducing visual barriers.
Glass doors allow natural light to flow throughout the room, making even compact bathrooms feel larger.
If you're remodeling a smaller bathroom, replacing an old tub with a walk-in shower can dramatically improve the space.
Many modern walk-in showers feature:
These materials reduce the amount of scrubbing compared to traditional tiled showers and tub surrounds.
Less maintenance means more time enjoying your bathroom.
Walk-in showers remain one of the strongest design trends for 2026.
Their sleek appearance complements:
Whether your style is classic or contemporary, a walk-in shower can fit beautifully.
Although walk-in showers are growing in popularity, bathtubs still have an important place in many homes.
For households with infants or young children, a bathtub can make bath time much easier.
Many parents appreciate having at least one bathtub somewhere in the home.
If your primary bathroom is being remodeled, keeping a bathtub in a secondary bathroom may provide the best of both worlds.
Some homeowners simply enjoy soaking in a warm bath after a long day.
Whether it's for relaxation, stress relief, or muscle recovery, a bathtub offers an experience that a shower cannot replicate.
Luxury soaking tubs remain popular in larger primary bathrooms where space allows.
If your home has only one bathroom, completely removing the only bathtub could affect buyer preferences for some future homeowners.
While resale value depends on many factors, many real estate professionals recommend maintaining at least one bathtub somewhere in the home whenever possible.
Walk-In Shower: Excellent choice for homeowners looking for easy entry and long-term accessibility. Low-threshold designs reduce tripping hazards and are ideal for aging in place.
Bathtub: Requires stepping over a higher tub wall, making entry and exit more difficult for some users.
Walk-In Shower: Large wall panels, fewer grout lines, and glass doors make cleaning faster and easier.
Bathtub: Requires more bending to clean and often has more grout or hard-to-reach areas, depending on the design.
Walk-In Shower: Offers a sleek, open, spa-inspired appearance that continues to be one of the biggest bathroom trends in 2026.
Bathtub: Available in many beautiful styles, but traditional alcove tubs tend to have a more classic look.
Walk-In Shower: Perfect for quick, convenient daily routines and can include luxury features like rainfall showerheads and built-in seating.
Bathtub: Ideal for soaking, relaxation, and creating a spa-like experience at home.
Walk-In Shower: Convenient for adults but may be less practical for bathing infants or young children.
Bathtub: Often the preferred choice for families with young children because it makes bath time easier.
Walk-In Shower: Creates a more open feel and can make smaller bathrooms appear larger by opening sightlines.
Bathtub: Can take up more visual space and may make compact bathrooms feel more enclosed.
Walk-In Shower: One of the best choices for long-term accessibility thanks to low-threshold entry, grab bars, and optional built-in seating.
Bathtub: Less accessible over time due to the higher step-in height, unless replaced with a walk-in tub.
Today's homeowners are increasingly choosing walk-in showers for their primary bathrooms.
Why?
Because they offer:
Many homeowners are replacing oversized garden tubs that rarely get used with luxurious walk-in showers that become the centerpiece of the bathroom.
If you're considering a bathroom upgrade, explore your options through Premier Home Pros Bathroom Remodeling Services.
There's another option that's becoming increasingly popular: the walk-in tub.
Walk-in tubs combine the comfort of a bathtub with features designed for safety and accessibility.
Common features include:
They're an excellent solution for homeowners who want the ability to soak while improving bathroom safety.
Whether you choose a shower or a bathtub, the flooring beneath it matters.
Bathrooms experience constant moisture, making waterproof flooring an excellent investment.
Many homeowners choose:
These products offer:
Learn more about flooring options through Premier Home Pros Flooring Services.
Before making your decision, consider:
Your answers can help guide the right choice for your home and lifestyle.
Absolutely.
If your bathroom has enough space, many homeowners choose to include both a walk-in shower and a freestanding or soaking tub.
This combination provides:
However, if space is limited, focusing on the feature you'll use most often is usually the best investment.
When comparing a walk-in shower and a bathtub in 2026, there isn't a universal "right" answer—only the right choice for your home.
Walk-in showers continue to lead modern bathroom design thanks to their accessibility, spacious appearance, easy maintenance, and contemporary style.
Bathtubs remain a great option for families with young children, homeowners who enjoy soaking, and those who want to maintain a traditional bathing option.
The best bathroom remodel is one that reflects your lifestyle today while meeting your needs for years to come. By carefully considering how you use your bathroom every day, you'll be able to choose the solution that delivers the greatest comfort, value, and enjoyment.
